If history is any indication, the "Twilight" fans who lined up beginning Tuesday afternoon outside of Park Hills Theater in Altoona will be part of a record-breaking day.
"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," the third film adaptation of author Stephenie Meyer's fantasy series, opened at 12:01 a.m. today and local fans couldn't wait to get into theaters. Fans began lining up early Tuesday afternoon in anticipation of the theater's special showings of the previous "Twilight Saga" films, which led up to the midnight premiere of "Eclipse."
The devotion of "Twilight" fans was on clear display Tuesday.
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Twilight fans line-up hours before the midnight showing of "Eclipse" at Park Hills Plaza 7 Theatre
One of the early arrivals was George Flynn, 18, of Altoona, who came to the theater about 3 p.m. Flynn said that, for the previous two films, he and his friends were the first people in line.
"I was really [upset] that we weren't first this year," he said.
Flynn's devotion isn't necessarily to the film series, however.
"It's not exactly the movies; it's the books," he said. "You can relate to the characters on so many deep levels ... even if it is supernatural."
Though he prefers the books, Flynn said he'll always come out to see the films.
"I just want to support it," he said. "And it's really a fun experience to read a book and then see it come to life on screen."
"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" continues the series' love triangle between young protagonist Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), her vampire love Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and her werewolf best friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).
Though panned by critics, the first two films in the series - 2008's "Twilight" and 2009's "New Moon" - grossed more than $1 billion worldwide. "New Moon" brought in nearly $73 million on its opening day, the largest opening day gross in film history.
"Eclipse" was booked in a record 4,416 theaters for today's debut, breaking the previous record of 4,380 theaters set less than two months ago by "Iron Man 2," The Associated Press reported.
Though "Eclipse" is getting better reviews than its predecessors, fans of the series don't seem too concerned about what others think.
Jess Hollows, 28, of Altoona got to Park Hills at 3 p.m. Tuesday and waited in line until midnight for the release of each book in the series. The fantastic elements of the story are what appeal to her.
"I like vampires and the love story ... [it's] escapism," she said.
Hollows said she had high hopes for "Eclipse" because of its new director, David Slade, who directed the well-received horror film "30 Days of Night."
Still, she added with a laugh: "This is my favorite book, so it better be good."
